Tom Jones tipped for Oscars

WE already know that, in addition to the coveted statuettes that’ll be presented to their lucky winners, this year’s Academy Awards are set to feature some Welsh gold in the form of Dame Shirley Bassey.

WE already know that, in addition to the coveted statuettes that’ll be presented to their lucky winners, this year’s Academy Awards are set to feature some Welsh gold in the form of Dame Shirley Bassey.

But Hollywood’s premier showbiz bash, which in 2012 was watched by nearly 40 million people worldwide, could also be set to feature another homegrown singing legend – Sir Tom Jones.

Rumour is that The Voice of the Valleys is in line to perform on stage at the Oscars alongside the Tiger Bay diva as part of the event’s star-studded 50th anniversary celebration of James Bond being granted his cinematic licence to thrill.

The 72-year-old star, who famously sang the soaring theme tune to the 1965 Bond movie Thunderball, is said to be taking time out from his busy schedule filming the new series of BBC One’s talent show The Voice UK to fly to LA for rehearsals prior to the red carpets being rolled for some of movie land’s biggest names next Sunday.

“It’ll be a fantastic way of marking this prestigious occasion, getting the two artists who sang 007’s most iconic theme tunes together on the same night,” said one industry insider.

“Dame Shirley can do a medley of Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker, while Tom can belt out his signature tune to get everyone watching shaken and stirred.”

And the speculation coincides with the news that, almost a year since it was released in the UK and Europe, Jones’ latest critically acclaimed album Spirit In The Room is to finally get a US release on April 23.

“Tom Jones possesses one of the most memorable and distinctive voices in pop music, and has one of the most storied careers in entertainment,” said John Virant, president of Rounder records, who’ll be handling it Stateside. “We’re thrilled he’s chosen to make his home with us, and we look forward to working with him on this wonderful project,”

Jones also plans to tour the US in April and May. Dates will be announced shortly.